Economic Policy

Partners for peace? Trump meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in June 2019. Instead of attacking Trump’s diplomatic initiatives as “weak,” Democrats should support negotiations.

Progressives Can’t Afford to Spend the Next 4 Years Just Playing Defense Progressives Can’t Afford to Spend the Next 4 Years Just Playing Defense

Or reflexively denouncing every Trump policy. While we mustn’t underestimate the danger he poses to our democracy, when he says he wants to end war, the left should call his bluff...

Dec 17, 2024 / Matthew Duss

Will the president use his remaining time in office to make good on his promise? He still can—if he wants to.

It’s Still Not Too Late for Biden to Deliver Debt Relief It’s Still Not Too Late for Biden to Deliver Debt Relief

Four years after hearing the president promise bold action on student debt, most borrowers are still no better off, and many—especially defrauded debtors—are measurably worse off....

Dec 13, 2024 / Astra Taylor

Workers in red “Fight for $15” T-shirts standing next to each other with locked arms, in front of a banner reading “Whatever It Takes.”

Why Democrats Are Losing Americans Without a College Degree—and How to Win Them Back Why Democrats Are Losing Americans Without a College Degree—and How to Win Them Back

Voters intuitively know that the economy has not worked well for most of us for decades. Democrats must offer them a transformative vision, and stick to it for as long as it takes...

Dec 12, 2024 / Neil Kraus and Jon Shelton

The shuttered Bethlehem Steel plant in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, on March 15, 2024.

Why Bidenomics Was Such a Bust Why Bidenomics Was Such a Bust

A large majority of voters gave the Biden administration a failing grade on the economy. For the sake of future policy battles, it is worthwhile to try to understand their reasons...

Dec 9, 2024 / James K. Galbraith

“What, we worry?

The Democrats Will Keep Losing Until They Solve Their Plutocracy Problem The Democrats Will Keep Losing Until They Solve Their Plutocracy Problem

The party’s habitual deference to big donors makes it impossible to effectively oppose Trumpism.

Nov 28, 2024 / Column / Jeet Heer

Liz Cheney, former US representative and daughter of Dick Cheney, greets Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris during a rally at Ripon College on October 3, 2024, in Ripon, Wisconsin.

The Democrats Disregarded Poor and Low-Income Voters—to Their Peril The Democrats Disregarded Poor and Low-Income Voters—to Their Peril

Poverty is clearly anything but a marginal experience—and yet, as in the last election, it’s repeatedly minimalized and dismissed in our nation’s politics.

Nov 27, 2024 / Shailly Gupta Barnes and Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis

Scott Bessent speaks at the National Conservative Conference in Washington, DC, July 10, 2024.

Only a Working-Class Party Can Challenge Donald Trump’s Corruption Only a Working-Class Party Can Challenge Donald Trump’s Corruption

GOP plutocracy thrives as long as Democrats remain beholden to Wall Street.

Nov 26, 2024 / Jeet Heer

Elon Musk, chief executive officer of Tesla Inc., joins former US President Donald Trump during a campaign event at the Butler Farm Show in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Welcome to the Department of Government Idiocy Welcome to the Department of Government Idiocy

Trump’s new Department of Government Efficiency or “DOGE” will comprise of two clueless tech bros. What targets, exactly, will Musk and Ramaswamy try to hit?

Nov 14, 2024 / Chris Lehmann

Vice President Kamala Harris against a dark background, at a podium, looking reflective.

No, Trump Did Not Win in a Landslide—nor Did He Secure a Mandate No, Trump Did Not Win in a Landslide—nor Did He Secure a Mandate

The election math isn’t as bad as we thought. But the coming Trump administration is shaping up to be worse.

Nov 12, 2024 / Joan Walsh

Senator Bernie Sanders speaks during a primary night rally in Manchester, New Hampshire, on Tuesday, February 11, 2020.

Bernie Sanders Is Right: Democrats Have Abandoned the Working Class Bernie Sanders Is Right: Democrats Have Abandoned the Working Class

The party chased former Republicans and rich donors, while alienating the working-class majority.

Nov 11, 2024 / Jeet Heer

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